According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2021,statistics show that 81% of Grade 4 learners tested in South Africa cannot read for meaning in any of the 11 official languages, and could not answer straight forward comprehension questions. This is an increase from the previous 78% from 2016.
In South Africa, there is ongoing concern about the poor reading ability of school-going children, especially those battling with socio-economic issues, such as poverty and hunger.
When children are hungry, they typically have less energy and the ability to focus. In the midst of this crisis, Ladles of Love is working to fill the tummies of hungry children, while making them fall in love with books again this February.
The Love Books campaign aims to couple feeding with reading by raising funds to ensure that 5 185 little children in 47 Early Childhood Development Centers situated in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Gauteng have access to food and books in 2024.
Providing two healthy meals a day to malnourished little children living in
impoverished communities, while providing them with reading material will take care of important fundamentals a child needs to grow, develop and be the best they can be.
“Everyone of us has a desire for our children to see the world, to be exposed to things they’ve never seen before and be wowed by the magic of the universe; yet many of our children will never see beyond their community, except through the stories they’ll get to read, which will take them on journey beyond what their minds can conceive, without taking a single step,” says Yolanda Jones, Ladles of Love Programme Director. “There in lies the power of a book.” “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ladles of Love for their unwavering support over the past years, nourishing both body and soul with their generous donations of food. Their ladles of love have not only filled our stomachs but also fuelled our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve at Kids Ministry Educare. As we embark on a new chapter, we eagerly anticipate the invaluable contribution of Love Book campaign. Just as Ladles of Love has enriched our physical well-being, we believe that the knowledge and inspiration within these books will be a beacon of hope for the children in our care. The power of education and the warmth of love, combined, will undoubtedly create a brighter future for the young minds we nurture”, shares Bulelwa Vangqa, Principal, Kids Ministry Educare.
“Reading is fundamental for us as an organisation as it takes a child into a world of wonder”, explains Mymoena Scholtz, Director Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation.
Help us help our future leaders. For every R250 donated to Love Books, we sponsor a child in need with two healthy meals a day and a book to read. Many donors are choosing to make this a monthly contribution and ensure a child is feed for the year and has books to read.
This month, wear your heart on your sleeve, be a Love Activist and see how amazing you feel. Doing good for good with love, makes you feel good, and builds a solid foundation for our future leaders.
As a PBO, Ladles of Love is qualified to issue section 18A Tax certificates to all Individuals and companies contributing to this campaign.
For more information: Visit LadlesofLove.org.za or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For media queries contact Candice Jansen for media queries on email candice@headsupcomm.co.za
